Today we’d like to introduce you to Amita Chandekar

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?

Born and raised in the vibrant city of Mumbai, India, my journey as an entrepreneur and creative soul began amidst my hometown’s bustling streets and colorful culture. Even from early school, I was drawn to the arts, whether painting, singing, or dancing. The thrill of performing, of being on center stage, captured my heart, and I knew that creativity would always be an integral part of my life.
It was during high school that I made a pivotal decision that would shape my future. Amid modeling competitions and school events, I realized my passion for acting. With unwavering determination, I set my sights on becoming an actor despite the uncertainties that lay ahead.
Winning the inter-school modeling competition fueled my confidence, and soon, I found myself walking the ramp for professional shows, both big and small. Fate intervened when a director spotted me and offered me an audition for a T.V. show. That audition marked the beginning of a decade-long journey in the entertainment industry, with my breakout role in the popular show Kutumb, produced by Balaji Telefilms, catapulting me to overnight fame.
However, life had other plans in store for me. Love knows no boundaries, and in 2010, I found myself saying “I do” to my now-husband, who resided in California. Relocating to a new country meant bidding farewell to my acting career, but it also presented an opportunity to explore my other passion: painting.
Embracing the blank canvas as my new stage, I delved into various painting techniques, from oils on canvas to intricate china painting. Establishing my own Etsy store, ‘Amitaarts,’ allowed me to share my creations with the world while venturing into digital art.
As I immersed myself in the world of e-commerce, a new curiosity began to bloom within me. The intersection of art and technology intrigued me, particularly the potential of UX/UI design to enhance digital experiences. Fueling my passion for education, I embarked on a journey to gain expertise in this field, earning my Certification in UI/UX Design from Springboard.
Today, I am at the forefront of innovation as a product designer with WeUp, a dynamic LA-based startup. My career path has been a testament to the power of embracing change, following my passions, and continually evolving in pursuit of creative fulfillment.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

Life has a way of throwing unexpected challenges our way, testing our resolve, and pushing us beyond our limits. Throughout my journey, I encountered numerous obstacles, but one invaluable lesson my father instilled in me was to never give up.
The path to success in the entertainment industry is often paved with obstacles, and my acting career was no exception. From the early days of facing rejection to navigating the industry’s complexities, I learned to persevere through adversity. Despite facing setbacks, including undeserved criticism and missed opportunities, I refused to let disappointment dim my passion.
However, one of the most significant turning points in my life came when I decided to leave behind the glitz and glamour of the entertainment world to embark on a new chapter of love and family in California. Despite the doubts and warnings from others, I followed my heart with grace and determination.
Transitioning from the spotlight to the role of a homemaker presented challenges for me as an independent woman accustomed to charting my own path. Adapting to a new role required strength and resilience, yet I refused to be defined by my circumstances.
Life threw me a devastating blow with the loss of my son at birth, a heartbreak that shook me to my core. Yet, even in the darkest times, I found solace in creativity and resilience. Painting became my refuge, a canvas where I could pour out my emotions and find moments of peace amidst the storm.
When my daughter was born, the joy of motherhood brought a newfound light into my life, but the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic presented its challenges. Balancing the responsibilities of motherhood with the pursuit of personal and professional growth tested my limits, but I remained steadfast in my determination.
Motivated by the desire to set an example for my daughter and instill the value of financial independence, I embarked on a new journey into the world of UX/UI design. Stepping into the tech world from a different background was daunting, but I embraced the challenge with unwavering determination.
Sleepless nights and countless sacrifices paved the way to obtaining my UX/UI Design certificate, a testament to my relentless pursuit of self-improvement and resilience. Every day, I strive to push the boundaries of my potential, eager to make my mark in the ever-evolving landscape of design.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

Transitioning from entertainment and entrepreneurship to technology, I found a new avenue for my creativity as a product designer. With a passion for enhancing digital experiences, I embarked on a journey to immerse myself in the dynamic UX/UI design field.
As a product designer with WeUp, a Los Angeles-based startup, I leverage my diverse background and skill set to create innovative, user-centric solutions. Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, I bring concepts to life through intuitive and visually compelling designs.
Drawing upon my experiences as an actor, entrepreneur, and artist, I approach each project with a keen understanding of storytelling and user engagement. From conceptualizing wireframes to conducting user research and testing, I am involved in every stage of the design process, ensuring that our products meet the needs and expectations of our audience.
As a continuous learner, I thrive on staying abreast of the latest trends and technologies in UX/UI design. Whether mastering new design tools or exploring emerging design principles, I am committed to honing my skills and pushing the boundaries of creativity in my work.
Driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact in the digital landscape, I am passionate about creating experiences that delight and inspire users. With a blend of creativity, empathy, and technical expertise, I am dedicated to crafting products that meet user needs and exceed their expectations.

What does success mean to you?

To me, success transcends mere achievements or accolades. It is about living a personal and professional life of purpose and fulfillment.

On a personal level, success means finding joy and meaning in everyday moments, cultivating meaningful relationships, and nurturing a sense of well-being and balance. It’s about embracing resilience in the face of adversity, finding strength in vulnerability, and continually striving to grow and evolve as an individual.

Professionally, success is about making a positive impact in the lives of others and contributing to something greater than oneself. It’s about pursuing one’s passions with dedication and integrity, continuously learning and adapting to new challenges, and leaving a legacy of innovation and inspiration.

Success also means setting an example for future generations. As a mother, seeing my daughter grow up knowing that her mom has a career, too, and aspiring to pursue her dreams fills me with pride. Knowing that she dreams of becoming a veterinarian, inspired by the love and care we have for our furry friends, reinforces the importance of nurturing her ambitions and supporting her journey towards success.

Ultimately, success is not measured solely by external markers such as fame or fortune but by the depth of one’s character, the authenticity of one’s relationships, and the positive ripple effects of one’s actions in the world. It’s about finding fulfillment in the journey, celebrating progress over perfection, and embracing the full spectrum of human experience with gratitude and humility.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://amitasportfolio.me/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amitachandekar/